Wellness in the Day Spa
Going back to the origin of spa, which literally means “health through water,” the wellness and well-being wave is now infiltrating the day spa industry. I see massage as a wellness and alternative medical treatment more than a pampering service–even a simple Swedish massage has a lot of health benefits.
Spa professionals have a wonderful opportunity to introduce their clients to services that increase their well-being. This can be accomplished through massages, body wraps that detox and purify their system, and relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga sessions. They can also partner with nutritionists to encourage healthy diets and more.
Don’t forget your staff. Employees practicing healthy principles are prone to pass along the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to clients, although they should never try to force these issues on anyone. You, as a day spa owner, can take the initiative to offer your employees healthy lifestyle choices. Options include learning about nutrition and supplements (the Day Spa Association has several members who offer education on this subject), smoking cessation programs, encouraging them to join a health club by offering employee discounts, implementing healthy lunches for workers and clients, conducting educational classes on how to detect melanoma (bring in a dermatologist you want to align yourself with), starting a referral program with a chiropractor in your neighbor and more.
The more your staff is conscious of what’s available to it, the more it can serve as an example to clients. Steps like these also go a long way in retaining employees. Statistics have shown that happiness on the job goes much farther than dollars earned.
Hannelore R. Leavy
Founder/Executive Director
Day Spa Association (www.dayspaassociation.com)
International Medical Spa Association (www.medicalspaassociation.org)
DAYSPA Advisory Board